One Step Closer

Zero

One Step Closer return with Zero, arriving February 19, 2027 via Run For Cover Records. Following 2024's All You Embrace, the Wilkes-Barre band continue to push their emotionally charged melodic hardcore toward bigger hooks, more dynamic songwriting and a more prominent role for vocalist Ryan Savitski's singing voice, without losing the urgency of their hardcore roots.

Recorded by longtime collaborator Jon Markson (Drug Church, The Story So Far, Drain, Koyo), the album channels a difficult period for the band into ten songs about hopelessness, uncertainty and catharsis. Savitski explains: “This may have been the hardest year for us, and that’s reflected in the songs.” The band also drew on what they call “older brother music,” recalling the emotional immediacy of mid-2000s punk, emo and hardcore.

Lead tracks “Blue Hour” and “Was It Ever Enough?” show contrasting sides of the record. The former opens with a subdued, atmospheric passage and Savitski's vulnerable singing before erupting into a chaotic climax; the latter starts with jagged riffs and a circle-pit charge before settling into a melodic sing-along. Their connected music videos were directed by the band. Elsewhere, “About a Boy” features Pat Flynn (Have Heart, Fiddlehead), while “A Fleeting Face” features contributions from Isaac Hale (Knocked Loose).

RIYL: Sunny Day Real Estate, Have Heart, Koyo, Anxious

Pre-order Zero.

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania melodic hardcore outfit One Step Closer have announced their new album, Zero, arriving February 19, 2027 via Run For Cover Records. The band are celebrating the announcement with two new singles, “Blue Hour” and “Was It Ever Enough?”, accompanied by interconnected music videos directed by the band.

Following 2024's acclaimed All You Embrace, Zero finds One Step Closer continuing to expand their emotionally charged blend of melodic hardcore, post-hardcore and emo. Recorded by longtime collaborator Jon Markson (Drug Church, The Story So Far, Drain, Koyo), the ten-track LP promises some of the band's most ambitious and anthemic songwriting yet, with vocalist Ryan Savitski leaning further into his melodic singing alongside his trademark hardcore intensity.

The new material also reflects a particularly difficult period for the band, exploring feelings of uncertainty, desperation and hopelessness while finding catharsis through music.

“This may have been the hardest year for us, and that’s reflected in the songs,” explains Savitski. “There’s so much desperation on this record but I think people can relate to that.”

The two new singles offer contrasting glimpses of the album. “Blue Hour” opens with an atmospheric, subdued arrangement and vulnerable vocals before building into a cathartic, explosive finale. “Was It Ever Enough?” takes a more immediate approach, driven by jagged guitars and circle-pit energy before giving way to a melodic, sing-along outro.

Elsewhere on Zero, “About a Boy” features guest vocals from Pat Flynn (Have Heart, Fiddlehead), while “A Fleeting Face” includes contributions from Knocked Loose guitarist Isaac Hale.

While “Blue Hour” and “Was It Ever Enough?” reveal different sides of One Step Closer, both highlight the band's growing confidence in exploring their softer, more melodic emo influences without sacrificing their ability to deliver the emotionally charged, anthemic melodic hardcore that has defined their sound.

Watch both new singles in the connected music videos below.

Zero arrives February 19 via Run For Cover Records and is available for pre-order.

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One Step Closer Announce New Album Zero, Share Two New Singles “Blue Hour” and “Was It Ever Enough?”

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